September 3: Domestic violence, PTSD, opioid addiction

Letter writers Joanne Baker and Tracey Porteous assert that most acts of intimate partner violence are committed by men against women and women are at a greater risk of more severe violence and homicide.kentoh / PNG

We were dismayed to read claims made in Douglas Todd’s article which simply do not align with the mass of evidence across the globe that consistently articulates the gendered reality of violence against women and girls.

In addition to the wealth of academic research and data available from a myriad of sources from across the world, our understanding is also directly informed by workers on the front line who support survivors of domestic violence in our province.

Most acts of intimate partner violence are committed by men against women and women are at a greater risk of more severe violence and homicide. Acknowledging this gendered reality in no way diminishes the experiences and needs of any survivor of a violent relationship. There should be appropriate supports and services in place for everyone impacted by experiences of violence and abuse. The importance of challenging violence in all its forms is not well served by an ‘us versus them’ approach. Any argument that attempts to render such a division does a disservice to all.

PTSD diagnosis coming too easy

Re: Giving aid to first responders, Aug. 29

I spent 30 years on the Vancouver Police Department, 20 in Patrol Division, so I can speak with credibility about PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and how it may affect first responders. PTSD is a condition that is rightfully attributed to those in the military who have had to witness the carnage of war and the resulting mayhem, but in today’s world we need to dilute everything to the lowest common denominator so now PTSD is being applied to police officers, medical personnel and even teachers.

When you join one of the first responder professions you should know what to expect to see. In the article one responder says in one week he dealt with the death of an infant, a suicide and a fatal car accident. Well, welcome to Patrol Division in a big city; if you can’t “suck it up” then go and sell shoes, though be prepared for some pretty ugly feet.

PTSD is a very serious issue. Please WorkSafeBC, do not allow it to be watered down so that there is another obscure reason for people who are unable to do the job to remain on the payroll while others are out working the night-shift and performing professionally in a very demanding environment.

Carson Turncliff, Inspector (retired) VPD, Coquitlam

Wait times invite opioid addiction

Re: Opioid addiction verging on ‘health epidemic’, Aug. 25

Why do we have an opiate crisis? Because we have a pain crisis. Why do we have a pain crisis? Because we have rationed access to comprehensive medical care: both for physical ailments as well as psychological. Wait times for joint replacements? Years. Ailments like bone on bone osteoarthritis results in debilitating pain. Debilitating pain causes a downward spiral into depression. Now you are treating physical pain and mental anguish with opiates. Wait times for referral to specialists? Mostly a year or more. Then get in line and wait for surgery.

Diagnose the cause of pain and treat it early. Don’t mask it during a never ending wait for treatment. That outcome is addiction.

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